Robert Knott is working for the U.S. government as an ambassador to Madagascar. A reformed alcoholic but an unreformed gambler, Knott has a problem with the casino he frequents - management wants the money he owes them.

He owes so much money from his gambling, he fears he will never get out of debt. That is not his only problem though. There is much unrest on the island – enough to make the Embassy anticipate an uprising. On top of that, the local police are keeping an American prisoner, with vague promises to release him. His health is deteriorating because of the filthy conditions in the prison, where the paucity of food wouldn't keep a kitten alive. The island erupts, as Robert and several others try to escape. What can go wrong does.

I have never been to Madagascar but the style in which the author, Stephen Holgate, describes the flora and fauna is a delight, making it is easy to imagine their beauty. The mystery and mysticism of the island add to a culture being destroyed by the greedy. Madagascar is an intriguing novel about those coming to grips with their own outlook on life. It's a good read.

Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.